Second final in a row for the under 12's!

Two away festivals on the bounce is a challenge for many teams but after success at the Woodbridge Festival (runners up in the Cup Final), the boys were certainly not put off by the torrential rain that started the day off at Bury St. Edmunds.

First up was Woodbridge and this was an ideal start given our recent form. With some players unable to attend the day, we still put on a fine display of rucking and mauling and our scrum dominated throughout. A strong front row with Charlie, Archie and Henry would serve as a solid platform throughout the day. Dylan stepped in as scrum-half and settled in well despite not being in his usual Nos8 position. The backs worked well and kept the ball alive with the start of several tries from Renee secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Next was a bigger and sharper looking Newmarket but Southwold remained un-phased as the weather started to improve. Not having our full squad and different positions enabled some changes and the twins Oli and Will started to find their confidence, even if we didn't know which was doing the great tackling or running straight with ball in hand. Jade and Rene worked hard in defence and equally as dangerous in attack. After our first try the team knew they were onto something and confidence grew. Having seem them beat Bury we all started to feel the excitement of what could be. George and Will in second row showed great power as we repeatedly pushed Newmarket off the ball. Chuckles, Ashley and Daniel worked the backs and again Rene was nicely set up to make it through for another solid 2-0 win.

Now for the big one, Bury! They have a very fast fullback who had carved up other teams on the counter attack so our tackling would be vital to avoid disappointment. The forwards were again strong and an even match with great mauling from Charlie with plenty of passion from Henry. Crucial tackles from Dan and Chuckles denied Bury the advantage and Jade's long chase to save a try was awesome (probably the best of the festival). Matthew and Toby in reserve got stuck in and Matthew made an excellent tackle right under the coaches noses! Again Renee made the moves to ensure we didn't lose, and Bury had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Although having watched St. Neots play they were still an unknown quantity and after drawing to Bury we knew we just had to keep doing the same and we should be in the final. The team remained in good form with fitness starting to benefit in what was becoming a long day. Day made more changes and even had the twins in second row, allowing big George some fun out on the wing. As half time we reverted to our standard line up and sure enough the tries came rolling in. A 3-1 result had secured our place in the final.

It would be Ipswich YM who would emerge as victors of Pool B. By now we had lost Ashley to other commitments so all subs were required and we went at them as if a win was entirely in our grasp. YM's scrum was the first to push us back all day and quicker to the breakdown so inevitably less ball for Southwold. At times we threatened but even Renee's excellent work rate was not enough against a stronger side. The forwards fought to the bitter end but given the huge cheer as the final whistle went, it was clear YM were relieved to get the 2-0 win.

In summary, it was a truly remarkable achievement for such a small squad, where a handful are enjoying their first season. The team has really bonded and with more training they can look forward to a rewarding season. We welcome more players as we continue to be regarded as a force to be reckoned with. As more than one coach asked "what have you been feeding them up at Southwold - Adnams Ale?!"